Project Information

Project Description:

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) proposes to widen approximately 15 miles of Interstate 26 (I-26) from just west of the existing interchange of I-26 and US Highway 15 (Exit 172 A-B) to just west of the I-26 and SC Highway 27 (SC 27) interchange (Exit 187) in Dorchester and Berkeley Counties, SC.

Both the US 15 (Exit 172) and SC 453 (Exit 177) interchanges will be reconstructed to accommodate the widening while also planning for future traffic volumes. Reconstruction of the Exit 187 interchange at SC 27 (Ridgeville Road) is not included in this project.

Proposed Improvements:

The project would include:

  • adding a travel lane in each direction of I-26
  • grading median/outside shoulders
  • installing barrier walls and/or cable guardrail
  • replacing 11 bridges including 7 overpass bridges and 4 mainline bridges
  • addressing 6 hydrological box culverts
  • addressing 2 “access” box culverts
  • improving the Exit 172 interchange and ramps
  • improving the Exit 177 interchange and ramps
  • improving drainage throughout

Temporary detours will be implemented for the bridges over I-26 on both the S-28 (First Bend Road) and S-55 (Second Bend Road) overpasses during construction.

Purpose and Need:

The purpose of the project is to improve traffic operations and existing geometry associated with roadways and bridges along I-26 between mile marker (MM) 172 and 187.

The project is needed due to existing and projected traffic volumes and operating conditions along this section of I-26. Specifically, the existing and projected traffic volumes indicate that I-26 would be operating beyond capacity and would experience an increase in traffic congestion and operational deficiencies if no improvements are made.

Detour Routes:

Fire bend Detour Route

First Bend Road Detour

  • To accommodate the widening of Interstate (I) 26, each of the bridges in the project study area will need to be demolished and reconstructed to meet the height and width requirements of the modified interstate.
  • A few of the bridges will remain open while a new bridge is constructed adjacent to the old bridge. Once complete the old bridge will be demolished.
  • The First Bend Road bridge will be replaced on existing roadway alignment due to design constraints.
  • Access across I-26 from First Bend Road will be detoured for approximately 12 months while demolition and new construction is completed.
  • The detour has a maximum distance of 9 miles utilizing state-maintained roads.
  • The detour will utilize Second Bend Road and US 178 to connect First Bend Road travelers.
  • The construction of the First Bend Road bridge will be completed before the Second Bend Road bridge is demolished or vice versa.
Second Bend Detour Route

Second Bend Road Detour

  • To accommodate the widening of Interstate (I) 26, each of the bridges in the project study area will need to be demolished and reconstructed to meet the height and width requirements of the modified interstate.
  • A few of the bridges will remain open while a new bridge is constructed adjacent to the old bridge. Once complete the old bridge will be demolished.
  • The Second Bend Road bridge will be replaced on existing roadway alignment due to design constraints.
  • Access across I-26 from Second Bend Road will be detoured for approximately 12 months while demolition and new construction is completed.
  • The detour has a maximum distance of 9 miles utilizing state-maintained roads.
  • The detour will utilize First Bend Road and US 178 to connect Second Bend Road travelers.
  • The construction of the Second Bend Road bridge will not begin until the First Bend Road bridge is completed or vice versa.

Feedback:

While engineering will take time, we will continue to provide updates on the progress of the project via this project page. Be sure to hit the "follow" button at the top of this page to receive direct notifications sent to your inbox. Opportunity for public comment will occur during the engineering design phase. The comment period starts on 04/13/26 and ends on 05/13/26.

A physical copy of the Environmental Assessment for the project will be available for public review at the following locations during the comment period.

  • At the in-person Public Hearing on April 28, 2026 between 5 and 7 p.m. at Woodland High School
  • Dorchester County Library: 506 N. Parler Ave, St. George, SC 29477
  • SCDOT Dorchester Maintenance Office: 5225 E. Jim Bilton Blvd, St. George, SC 29477
  • SCDOT Headquarters: 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Comments and feedback about this project can be submitted below!